Drive Safely: Navigating the 10 Most Dangerous Intersections in San Antonio
The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) records 2.5 million accidents at intersections. In fact, intersection accidents account for 40% of all traffic crashes, 50% of all serious collisions, and 20% of all fatal crashes.
How dangerous an intersection is can be attributed to a number of factors. These include posted speed limits near the intersection, amount of traffic, proximity to a highway, and visibility at or near the intersection. Many of the most dangerous intersections in San Antonio are subject to more than one of these factors.
To determine San Antonio’s worst intersections for drivers and pedestrians, Thomas J. Henry Law looked at the risk factors present at each location as well as the number of accidents and injuries reported at each intersection.
10 Most Dangerous Intersections in San Antonio
The San Antonio Express-News listed the following intersections among the most deadly roads in San Antonio, TX.
- Loop 1604 and Interstate 10 – 216 collisions reported in 2017
- Northwest Loop 410 and Interstate 10 – 124 collisions reported in 2017
- U.S. 281 and Interstate 35 – 108 collisions reported in 2017
- West Loop 1604 North and Highway 16 – 92 collisions reported in 2017
- Northeast Loop 410 and Interstate 35 – 90 collisions reported in 2017
- North Loop 1604 East and Interstate 35 – 82 collisions reported in 2017
- Alamo Ranch Parkway and Westwood Loop – 79 collisions reported in 2017
- Northeast Loop 410 and Walzem Road – 63 collisions reported in 2017
- Northwest Loop 410 and Wurzbach Road – 61 collisions reported in 2017
- Northwest Loop 410 and San Pedro Avenue – 61 collisions reported in 2017
What Makes These Intersections and Roads in San Antonio So Dangerous?
Intersections already have a lot more going on than other sections of the road. You have drivers responding to traffic signals and signage, trying to determine and navigate to their appropriate lane of traffic, increased traffic congestion, and slowing or stopping traffic. The more things that are occurring on a section of road, the more potential there is for something to go wrong.
What makes the above intersections even more dangerous are the additional hazards they are subject to. These include:
- High Volumes of Traffic. The worst intersections in San Antonio all have one thing in common. They all see high levels of traffic, especially during rush hours. Each day, thousands of cars, pedestrians, bicyclists, buses, and trucks try to navigate these intersections, resulting in countless opportunities for an accident or injury to occur.
- Lack of Signage. When a driver is navigating an intersection, they rely on signs and signals to guide them to the appropriate lane and tell them when it is safe for them to proceed. When an intersection has missing, inadequate, or damaged signals and signage, drivers must spend additional time and attention comprehending the flow of traffic, potentially pulling their attention from other hazards.
- Absence of Turning Lanes. Most drivers don’t really appreciate the convenience of designated turning lanes until they encounter a road without one. Designated turning lanes limit traffic stoppage on forward-moving lanes and allow traffic to flow more easily. They also provide turning vehicles a designated space where they can take their time planning their turn without feeling rushed. When accompanied by clear traffic signals, motorists are even better aided in making safe turns.
- Poor Visibility. You can recognize and respond to a hazard if you are unable to see it. Obstacles and conditions that obstruct visibility put motorists at risk. At intersections, this can include buildings, foliage, poor lighting, overpasses, elevated surfaces (e.g. hills), and inclement weather.
- Construction. If you live in San Antonio or visit the city regularly, you know you are always going to run into road work somewhere along your route. When an intersection is under construction, you are suddenly presented with new signage, new traffic directions, and a variety of potential distractions.
How to Stay Safe at Intersections?
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there were 14,299 intersection-related crashes in Texas in 2020, resulting in 4,520 serious injuries and 826 fatalities. In fact, intersection-related crashes accounted for approximately 18% of all crashes in the state during that year.
While efforts are being made to improve intersection safety across the state, it remains important for drivers to exercise caution and follow traffic laws when navigating these potentially dangerous roadways.
When approaching an intersection, drivers should:
- Pay attention and eliminate distractions: Avoid using your phone, adjusting the radio, or engaging in any other distracting activities while approaching, entering, or exiting an intersection.
- Observe traffic signs and signals: Always obey traffic signals and signs, including stop signs, yield signs, and traffic lights. Be cautious at intersections without traffic signals or signs, and yield to the right-of-way.
- Look both ways: Always look both ways before entering an intersection, even if you have the right-of-way. Make sure that no vehicles or pedestrians are approaching from either direction.
- Reduce speed: Slow down as you approach an intersection, and be prepared to come to a complete stop if necessary. Travel at a safe speed for the conditions, such as weather, traffic, or road conditions.
- Be aware of blind spots: Keep an eye out for other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, especially in your blind spots. Always check your mirrors and look over your shoulder before changing lanes or turning at an intersection.
Speak with a Qualified San Antonio Car Accident Attorney
If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in San Antonio, it is important to seek the guidance and representation of a qualified attorney. The experienced car accident attorneys at Thomas J. Henry Law have been fighting for the rights of car accident victims for 30 years. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
Do not wait, we are available 24/7, nights and weekends.
